Imidazoline derivatives having CB1-antagonistic activity

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to 1,2,4-tri-substituted imidazoline derivatives, to methods for the preparation of these compounds, to novel intermediates useful for the synthesis of said imidazoline derivatives, to methods for the preparation of these intermediates, to pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of these imidazoline derivatives as active ingredient, as well as to the use of these pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. The compounds have the general formula. (I)  
                 
wherein the symbols have the meanings given in the specification.

The present invention relates to 1,2,4-tri-substituted imidazolinederivatives as CB₁ antagonists, to methods for the preparation of thesecompounds and to novel intermediates useful for the synthesis of saidimidazoline derivatives. The invention also relates to the use of acompound disclosed herein for the manufacture of a medicament giving abeneficial effect. A beneficial effect is disclosed herein or apparentto a person skilled in the art from the specification and generalknowledge in the art. The invention also relates to the use of acompound of the invention for the manufacture of a medicament fortreating or preventing a disease or condition. More particularly, theinvention relates to a new use for the treatment of a disease orcondition disclosed herein or apparent to a person skilled in the artfrom the specification and general knowledge in the art. In embodimentsof the invention specific compounds disclosed herein are used for themanufacture of a medicament useful in the treatment of disorders inwhich cannabinoid receptors are involved, or that can be treated viamanipulation of those receptors.

Multisubstituted imidazoline derivatives are known from WO 03/101954 andWO 03/101969. The compounds described therein, are potent inhibitors oftranscription factor NF-KB, making them useful in the treatment ofcertain types of tumors. Said imidazoline derivatives also have potentactivities as anti-inflammatory agents and antibiotics, leading to anadditional array of indications in which they are likely to be oftherapeutic interest, including inflammatory and infectious diseases.The compounds described in the abovementioned patent applications werenot demonstrated to have any affinity for cannabinoid receptors, andtherefore unlikely to be of therapeutic value in disorders in whichthese cannabinoid receptors are involved.

The goal of the present invention was to identify imidazolinederivatives with potent activity as cannabinoid-CB₁ receptor modulators,whilst maintaining essentially the physico-chemical properties that makesome imidazoline derivatives useful therapeutic agents.

It has now surprisingly been found that potent antagonism or inverseagonism of cannabinoid-CB₁ receptors is present in the novel4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole derivatives of the formula (I):

wherein:

-   -   R₁ and R₂ independently represent phenyl, thienyl or pyridyl        which groups may be substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents Y,        which can be the same or different, from the group branched or        linear C₁₋₃-alkyl or C₁₋₃-alkoxy, phenyl, hydroxy, chloro,        bromo, fluoro, iodo, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethylthio,        trifluoromethoxy, carboxyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, cyano,        carbamoyl, sulfamoyl and acetyl, or R₁ and/or R₂ represent        naphtyl,    -   X represents one of the subgroups (i) or (ii),        wherein:    -   R₃ represents a hydrogen atom or a branched or linear C₁₋₃ alkyl        group,    -   R₄ represents a branched or linear C₁₋₈ alkyl or        C₃₋₈-cycloalkyl-C₁₋₂-alkyl group, branched or linear C₁₋₈        alkoxy, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₅₋₁₀ bicycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₀        tricycloalkyl, which groups may contain one or more heteroatoms        from the group (O, N, S) and which groups may be substituted        with a hydroxy group, 1-3 methyl groups, an ethyl group or 1-3        fluoro atoms, or R₄ represents a phenyl, phenoxy, benzyl,        phenethyl or phenylpropyl group, optionally substituted on their        phenyl ring with 1-3 substituents Y, wherein Y has the        abovementioned meaning, or R₄ represents a pyridyl or thienyl        group, or R₄ represents a group NR₅R₆ wherein        -   R₅ and R₆—together with the nitrogen atom to which they are            attached—form a saturated or unsaturated, monocyclic or            bicyclic, heterocyclic group having 4 to 10 ring atoms,            which heterocyclic group contains one or two heteroatoms            from the group (O, N, S) and which heterocyclic group may be            substituted with a branched or linear C₁₋₃ alkyl, phenyl,            hydroxy or trifluoromethyl group or a fluoro atom, or        -   R₃ and R₄—together with the nitrogen atom to which they are            attached—form a saturated or unsaturated, monocyclic or            bicyclic, heterocyclic group having 4 to 10 ring atoms,            which heterocyclic group contains one or two heteroatoms            from the group (O, N, S) and which heterocyclic group may be            substituted with a branched or linear C₁₋₃ alkyl, phenyl,            amino, hydroxy or trifluoromethyl group or a fluoro atom,    -   R₇ represents a benzyl, phenyl, thienyl or pyridyl group, which        groups may be substituted on their aromatic ring with 1, 2, 3 or        4 substituents Y, wherein Y has the meaning as indicated above,        which can be the same or different, or R₇ represents C₁₋₈        branched or linear alkyl, C₃₋₈ alkenyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, C₅₋₁₀        bicycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₀ tricycloalkyl or C₅₋₈ cycloalkenyl or R₇        represents naphtyl or R₇ represents an amino group or R₇        represents a C₁₋₈ dialkylamino group, a C₁₋₈ monoalkylamino        group or a saturated or unsaturated, monocyclic or bicyclic,        heterocyclic group having 4 to 10 ring atoms, which heterocyclic        group contains 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms and which heterocyclic        group may contain 1 heteroatom from the group (O, S) and which        heterocyclic group may be substituted with a branched or linear        C₁₋₃ alkyl, phenyl, hydroxy or trifluoromethyl group or a fluoro        atom,    -   R₈ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,    -   R₉ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl, ethyl or methoxy        group        and tautomers, stereoisomers, prodrugs and salts thereof.

At least one centre of chirality is present (at the C₄ position of theimidazoline moiety) in the compounds of the formula (I). The inventionrelates to racemates, mixtures of diastereomers as well as theindividual stereoisomers of the compounds having formula (I). Theinvention also relates to the E isomer, Z isomer and E/Z mixtures ofcompounds having formula (I).

Prodrugs are therapeutic agents which are inactive per se but aretransformed into one or more active metabolites. Prodrugs arebioreversible derivatives of drug molecules used to overcome somebarriers to the utility of the parent drug molecule. These barriersinclude, but are not limited to, solubility, permeability, stability,presystemic metabolism and targeting limitations (Medicinal Chemistry:Principles and Practice, 1994, ISBN 0-85186-494-5, Ed.: F. D. King, p.215; J. Stella, “Prodrugs as therapeutics”, Expert Opin. Ther. Patents,14(3), 277-280, 2004; P. Ettmayer et al., “Lessons leamed from marketedand investigational prodrugs”, J. Med. Chem., 47, 2393-2404, 2004).Pro-drugs, i.e. compounds which when administered to humans by any knownroute, are metabolised to compounds having formula (1), belong to theinvention. In particular this relates to compounds with primary orsecondary amino or hydroxy groups. Such compounds can be reacted withorganic acids to yield compounds having formula (1) wherein anadditional group is present which is easily removed afteradministration, for instance, but not limited to amidine, enamine, aMannich base, a hydroxyl-methylene derivative, an O-(acyloxymethylenecarbamate) derivative, carbamate, ester, amide or enaminone.

The invention particularly relates to compounds having formula (I)

wherein:

-   -   R₁ and R₂ independently represent phenyl, which phenyl group may        be substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents Y, which can be the        same or different, from the group branched or linear C₁₋₃-alkyl        or C₁₋₃-alkoxy, phenyl, hydroxy, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo,        trifluoromethyl, triflubromethylthio, trifluoromethoxy,        carboxyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, cyano, carbamoyl, sulfamoyl        and acetyl, or R₁ and/or R₂ represent naphtyl, thienyl or        pyridyl,    -   X represents one of the subgroups (i) or (ii),        wherein:    -   R₃ represents a hydrogen atom,    -   R₄ represents a branched or linear C₁₋₈ alkyl, branched or        linear C₁₋₈ alkoxy or C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl group, which groups may be        substituted with a hydroxy group, 1-3 methyl groups, an ethyl        group or 1-3 fluoro atoms, or R₄ represents a phenyl, phenoxy,        pyridyl or thienyl group, or R₄ represents a group NR₅R₆ wherein        -   R₅ and R₆—together with the nitrogen atom to which they are            attached—form a saturated or unsaturated, monocyclic or            bicyclic, heterocyclic group having 4 to 10 ring atoms,            which heterocyclic group contains one or two heteroatoms            from the group (O, N, S) or        -   R₃ and R₄—together with the nitrogen atom to which they are            attached—form a saturated or unsaturated, monocyclic or            bicyclic, heterocyclic group having 4 to 10 ring atoms,            which heterocyclic group contains one or two heteroatoms            from the group (O, N, S) and which heterocyclic group may be            substituted with a methyl, hydroxy or trifluoromethyl group            or a fluoro atom,    -   R₇ represents a phenyl group, which phenyl group may be        substituted on its aromatic ring with 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents        Y, wherein Y has the meaning as indicated above, which can be        the same or different, or R₇ represents C₁₋₈ branched or linear        alkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₁₀ bicycloalkyl, or R₇ represents        naphtyl or R₇ represents a amino group or R₇ represents a C₁₋₈        dialkylamino group, a C₁₋₈ monoalkylamino group or a saturated        or unsaturated, monocyclic or bicyclic, heterocyclic group        having 4 to 10 ring atoms, which heterocyclic group contains 1        or 2 nitrogen atoms and which heterocyclic group may contain 1        heteroatom from the group (O, S) and which heterocyclic group        may be substituted with a branched or linear C₁₋₃ alkyl or        hydroxy group,    -   R₈ represents a hydrogen atom,    -   R₉ represents a hydrogen atom        and tautomers, stereoisomers, prodrugs and salts thereof.

Due to the potent CB₁ antagonistic activity the compounds according tothe invention are suitable for use in the treatment of psychiatricdisorders such as psychosis, anxiety, depression, attention deficits,memory disorders, cognitive disorders, appetite disorders, obesity, inparticular juvenile obesity and drug induced obesity, addiction, impulsecontrol disorders, appetence, drug dependence and neurological disorderssuch as neurodegenerative disorders, dementia, dystonia, musclespasticity, tremor, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, traumatic braininjury, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy,Huntington's disease, Tourette's syndrome, cerebral ischaemia, cerebralapoplexy, craniocerebral trauma, stroke, spinal cord injury,neuroinflammatory disorders, plaque sclerosis, viral encephalitis,demyelinisation related disorders, as well as for the treatment of paindisorders, including neuropathic pain disorders, and other diseasesinvolving cannabinoid neurotransmission, including the treatment ofseptic shock, glaucoma, cancer, diabetes, emesis, nausea, asthma,respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, gastric ulcers,diarrhoea, cardiovascular disorders, atherosclerosis, liver cirrhosisand sexual disorders.

The cannabinoid receptor modulating activity of the compounds of theinvention makes them particularly useful in the treatment of obesity,juvenile obesity and drug induced obesity, when used in combination withlipase inhibitors. Specific examples of compounds which can be used insuch combination preparations are (but not restricted to) the syntheticlipase inhibitor orlistat, lipase inhibitors isolated from microorganisms such as lipstatin (from Streptomyces toxytricini), ebelactoneB (from Streptomyces aburaviensis), synthetic derivatives of thesecompounds, as well as extracts of plants known to possess lipaseinhibitory activity, for instance extracts of Alpinia officinarum orcompounds isolated from such extracts like 3-methylethergalangin (fromA. officinarum).

General Aspects of Syntheses

The synthesis of compounds having formula (I) wherein X representssubgroup (i) is outlined in Scheme 1. Intermediates having generalformula (II) can be obtained according to methods known, see forexample: I. K. Khanna et al., J. Med. Chem. 2000, 43, 3168-3185; I. K.Khanna et al., J. Med. Chem. 1997, 40, 1634-1647; WO 03/027076 or WO03/040107. Intermediates having general formula (IV) can be obtainedaccording to methods known, see for example: I. K. Khanna et al., J.Med. Chem. 2000, 43, 3168-3185.

Carboxamidine derivatives of general formula (II) can be reacted with2-chloroacrylonitrile (III) to give a 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazolederivative of general formula (IV). This reaction is preferably carriedout in the presence of a base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine. Theobtained derivatives of general formula (IV) can be esterified with analcohol R₁₀-OH to give a 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole derivative of generalformula (V), wherein R₁₀ represents a branched or linear C₁₋₅ alkylgroup or a benzyl group. This reaction is preferably carried out underacidic conditions. A compound of general formula (V) can react with anamine R₃R₄NH, preferably in the presence of trimethylaluminum (Me₃Al) togive a compound of formula (I), wherein X represents subgroup (i) and R₃and R₄ have the meaning as given above on page 2. Additional informationon trimethylaluminum Al(CH₃)₃ promoted amidation reactions of esters canbe found in: J. I. Levin, E. Turos, S. M. Weinreb, Synth Commun. (1982),12, 989-993.

Alternatively, a compound of general formula (V) can be hydrolysed tothe corresponding carboxylic acid derivative of general formula (VI),wherein R₁₁ represents H or an earth alkali metal, in particular Li, Naor K. Alternatively, the compound of general formula (VI) can be reactedwith a chlorinating agent such as thionylchloride to give thecorresponding acid chloride. The compound of general formula (VI) can bereacted with an amine R₃R₄NH to give a compound of formula (I), whereinX represents subgroup (i) and R₃ and R₄ have the meaning as given aboveon page 2, via activating and coupling methods such as formation of anactive ester, or in the presence of a so-called coupling reagent, suchas for example, DCC, HBTU, BOP(benzotriazol-1-yloxytris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate)and the like.

Additional information on activating and coupling methods of amines tocarboxylic acids can be found in:

-   a) M. Bodanszky and A. Bodanszky: The Practice of Peptide Synthesis,    Springer-Verlag, New York, 1994; ISBN: 0-387-57505-7;-   b) K. Akaji et al., Tetrahedron Lett. (1994), 35, 3315-3318);-   c) F. Albericio et al., Tetrahedron Lett. (1997), 38, 4853-4856).

The synthesis of compounds having formula (I) wherein X representssubgroup (ii) is outlined in Scheme 2.

An intermediate of general formula R₇SO₂NH₂ is either commerciallyavailable or can be prepared via standard synthetic methodology, forexample from the corresponding compound R₇SO₂Cl (see for example;McManus et al., J. Med. Chem. 1965, 8, 766). A compound of generalformula (IV) can be reacted with a compound of general formula R₇SO₂NH₂in the presence of a Lewis acid such as for example AlMe₃ in an inertorganic solvent such as benzene to give a compound of general formula(I) wherein X represents subgroup (ii) and R₁, R₂ and R₇ have themeaning as given above on the pages 1-3 and wherein R₈ and R₉ representa hydrogen atom. A compound of general formula (V) may be reacted with acompound of general formula R₇SO₂NH₂ to give a compound of generalformula (VII). This reaction is preferably carried out in the presenceof a strong non-nucleophilic base. A compound of general formula (VII)may be reacted with a chlorinating reagent in a chloroimidation reactionand subsequently treated with an amine R₈R₉NH to give a compound offormula (I), wherein X represents subgroup (ii).

The selection of the particular synthetic method depends on factors suchas the compatibility of functional groups with the reagents used, thepossibility to use protecting groups, catalysts, activating and couplingreagents and the ultimate structural features present in the finalcompound being prepared.

According to these procedures the following compounds can be prepared.They are intended to further illustrate the invention in more detail,and therefore are not deemed to restrict the scope of the invention inany way.

Pharmaceutical Preparations

The compounds of the invention can be brought into forms suitable foradministration by means of usual processes using auxiliary substancessuch as liquid or solid carrier material. The pharmaceuticalcompositions of the invention may be administered enterally, orally,parenterally (intramuscularly or intravenously), rectally or locally(topically). They can be administered in the form of solutions, powders,tablets, capsules (including microcapsules), ointments (creams or gel)or suppositories. Suitable excipients for such formulations are thepharmaceutically customary liquid or solid fillers and extenders,solvents, emulsifiers, lubricants, flavorings, colorings and/or buffersubstances. Frequently used auxiliary substances which may be mentionedare magnesium carbonate, titanium dioxide, lactose, mannitol and othersugars, talc, lactoprotein, gelatin, starch, cellulose and itsderivatives, animal and vegetable oils such as fish liver oil,sunflower, groundnut or sesame oil, polyethylene glycol and solventssuch as, for example, sterile water and mono- or polyhydric alcoholssuch as glycerol.

Compounds of the present invention are generally administered aspharmaceutical compositions which are important and novel embodiments ofthe invention because of the presence of the compounds, moreparticularly specific compounds disclosed herein. Types ofpharmaceutical compositions that may be used include but are not limitedto tablets, chewable tablets, capsules, solutions, parenteral solutions,suppositories, suspensions, and other types disclosed herein or apparentto a person skilled in the art from the specification and generalknowledge in the art. In embodiments of the invention, a pharmaceuticalpack or kit is provided comprising one or more containers filled withone or more of the ingredients of a pharmaceutical composition of theinvention. Associated with such container(s) can be various writtenmaterials such as instructions for use, or a notice in the formprescribed by a governmental agency regulating the manufacture, use orsale of pharmaceuticals products, which notice reflects approval by theagency of manufacture, use, or sale for human or veterinaryadministration.

Pharmacological Methods In Vitro Affinity for Cannabinoid-CB₁ Receptors

The affinity of the compounds of the invention for cannabinoid CB₁receptors can be determined using membrane preparations of Chinesehamster ovary (CHO) cells in which the human cannabinoid CB₁ receptor isstably transfected in conjunction with [³H]CP-55,940 as radioligand.After incubation of a freshly prepared cell membrane preparation withthe [³H]-ligand, with or without addition of compounds of the invention,separation of bound and free ligand is performed by filtration overglassfiber filters. Radioactivity on the filter is measured by liquidscintillation counting.

In Vitro Cannabinoid-CB₁ Receptor Antagonism

In vitro CB₁ receptor antagonism can be assessed with the human CB₁receptor cloned in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. CHO cells aregrown in a Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) culture medium,supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated fetal calf serum. Medium isaspirated and replaced by DMEM, without fetal calf serum, but containing[³H]-arachidonic acid and incubated overnight in a cell culture stove(5% CO₂/95% air; 37° C.; water-saturated atmosphere). During this period[³H]-arachidonic acid is incorporated in membrane phospholipids. On thetest day, medium is aspirated and cells are washed three times using 0.5mL DMEM, containing 0.2% bovine serum albumin (BSA). Stimulation of theCB₁ receptor by WIN 55,212-2 leads to activation of PLA₂ followed byrelease of [³H]-arachidonic acid into the medium. This WIN55,212-2-induced release is concentration-dependently antagonized by CB₁receptor antagonists.

In vivo cannabinoid-CB₁ receptor antagonism

In vivo CB₁ antagonism can be assessed with the CP-55,940-inducedhypotension test in rat. Male normotensive rats (225-300 g; Harlan,Horst, The Netherlands) are anaesthetized with pentobarbital (80 mg/kgi.p.). Blood pressure is measured, via a cannula inserted into the leftcarotid artery, by means of a Spectramed DTX-plus pressure transducer(Spectramed B. V., Bilthoven, The Netherlands). After amplification by aNihon Kohden Carrier Amplifier (Type AP-621G; Nihon Kohden B.V.,Amsterdam, The Netherlands), the blood pressure signal is registered ona personal computer (Compaq Deskpro 386s), by means of a Po-Ne-Mahdata-acquisition program (Po-Ne-Mah Inc., Storrs, USA). Heart rate isderived from the pulsatile pressure signal. All compounds areadministered orally as a microsuspension in 1% methylcellulose 30minutes before induction of the anesthesia which is 60 minutes prior toadministration of the CB₁ receptor agonist CP-55,940. The injectionvolume is 10 ml/kg. After haemodynamic stabilization the CB₁ receptoragonist CP-55,940 (0.1 mg/kg i.v.) is administered and the hypotensiveeffect established. (Wagner, J. A.; Jarai, Z.; Batkai, S.; Kunos, G.Hemodynamic effects of cannabinoids: coronary and cerebral vasodilationmediated by cannabinoid CB₁ receptors. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 2001, 423,203-10).

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be obtained using standardprocedures well known in the art, for example by mixing a compound ofthe present invention with a suitable acid, for instance an inorganicacid such as hydrochloric acid, or with an organic acid.

Dose

The affinity of the compounds of the invention for cannabinoid receptorswas determined as described above. From the binding affinity measuredfor a given compound of formula (1), one can estimate a theoreticallowest effective dose. At a concentration of the compound equal to twicethe measured K_(i)-value, 100% of the cannabinoid receptors likely willbe occupied by the compound. Converting that concentration to mg ofcompound per kg of patient yields a theoretical lowest effective dose,assuming ideal bioavailability. Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, andother considerations may alter the dose actually administered to ahigher or lower value. The dosage expediently administered is 0.001-1000mg/kg, preferably 0.1-100 mg/kg of patient's bodyweight.

EXAMPLE 1 Syntheses of Specific Compounds Compounds 1-2

Part A: A magnetically stirred mixture ofN-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,4-dichlorobenzenecarboxamidine (10.0 gram, 0.033mol), 2-chloroacrylonitrile (5.7 gram, 0.065 mol) andN,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) (12.5 ml, 0.069 mol) intetrahydrofuran (150 ml) is heated at reflux temperature for 40 hours(N₂ atmosphere). After cooling to room temperature the mixture isconcentrated in vacuo. The residue is dissolved in a mixture ofdichloromethane and water (200 ml/200 ml). The dichloromethane layer iscollected, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Theresidue is recrystallised from ethanol/water to give1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-4-carbonitrile(11.23 gram, 97% yield). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 4.28 (dd, J=10 and 8Hz, 1H), 4.36 (t, J=10 Hz, 1H), 5.07 (dd, J=10 and 8 Hz, 1 H), 6.68 (brd, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (br d, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.32-7.36 (m, 2H), 7.45 (d, J=8Hz, 1H).

Part B: Acetyl chloride (17.76 ml, 0.25 mol) is slowly added to ethanol(1 l) to give solution A.1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-4-carbonitrile(17.52 gram, 0.05 mol) is added in one portion to solution A. Aftercooling to room temperature the mixture is stirred for another 40 hoursand concentrated in vacuo. The residue is dissolved in dichloromethaneand washed (3×) with aqueous (5%) NaHCO₃. The dichloromethane layer isseparated, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to giveethyl1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylate(18.0 gram, 90% yield) as a brown oil that slowly solidifies onstanding. ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.34 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H), 4.15 (dd,J=10 and 8 Hz, 1H), 4.22-4.41 (m, 3H), 4.91 (dd, J=10 and 8 Hz, 1H),6.66 (br d, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (br d, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.30 (dd, J=8 and 2Hz,1H), 7.33 (d, J=2Hz, 1H), 7.46 (dd, J=8Hz, 1H).

Part C: To a magnetically stirred solution ofexo-2-aminobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (0.67 ml, 0.009 mol) in anhydrousdichloromethane (10 ml) is added trimethylaluminum (5.4 ml of a 2Nsolution in hexane, 0.0108 mol) and the resulting solution is stirredfor 20 minutes at room temperature. A solution of ethyl1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylate(2.385 g, 0.006 mol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (10 ml) is slowlyadded and the resulting mixture is reacted at 40° C. for 40 hours (N₂atmosphere). After cooling to room temperature the mixture is quenchedwith aqueous (5%) NaHCO₃ and extracted with dichloromethane. Thedichloromethane layer is separated, dried over MgSO₄, filtered andconcentrated in vacuo to give a crude yellow syrup (2.58 gram) which isfurther purified with flash chromatography (silica gel, ethylacetate/petroleum ether=8/2 (v/v)) to give the faster moving1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-(exo-2-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide(diastereomer A) (0.70 gram, 25% yield) and the slower moving1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-(exo-2-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide (diastereomer B) (0.69 gram, 25% yield).

Diastereomer A: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.10-1.58 (m, 7H), 1.76-1.84(m, 1H), 2.26-2.30 (m, 2H), 3.74-3.82 (m, 1H), 4.27 (d, J˜10 Hz, 2H),4.78 (t, J˜10 Hz, 1H), 6.65 (br d, J=8 Hz, 2H), 6.70-6.78 (m, 1H), 7.12(br d, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.29 (br s, 2H), 7.40 (br s, 1H).

Diastereomer B: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.10-1.56 (m, 7H), 1.78-1.85(m, 1H), 2.17-2.20 (m, 1H), 2.26-2.30 (m, 1H), 3.76-3.82 (m, 1H),4.25-4.30 (m, 2H), 4.78 (dd, J=10 and 8 Hz, 1H), 6.66 (br d, J=8 Hz,2H), 6.80 (br d, J˜7 Hz, 1H), 7.11 (br d, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.30 (brs, 2H),7.41 (brs, 1H).

Compounds 3 and 4

Part A: A mixture of ethyl1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylate(3.97 g, 0.01 mol) in methanol/water is reacted with LiOH (1.3 gram,0.054 mol) at room temperature for 16 hours. The resulting mixture isconcentrated in vacuo to give crude lithium1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylate(4.7 gram).

Part B: A mixture of the crude lithium1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylate(1.0 gram, ˜0.0027 mol),benzotriazol-1-yloxytris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate(BOP) (1.2 gram, 0.0027 mol), 1-aminopiperidine (0.3 gram, 0.003 mol)and triethylamine (1 ml) in DMF (30 ml) is stirred at room temperaturefor 16 hours. After concentration in vacuo, water is added and theresulting mixture is extracted (2×) with dichloromethane. Thedichloromethane layers are collected, dried over MgSO₄, filtered andconcentrated in vacuo to give a residue that is further purified byflash chromatography (silicagel, dichloromethane/methanol=95/5 (v/v)) togive1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-(piperidin-1-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide(380 mg, 31% yield). Melting point: 113-116° C. ¹H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃):δ 1.33-1.48 (m, 2H), 1.60-1.80 (m, 4H), 2.68-2.82 (m, 4H), 4.28-4.35 (m,2H), 4.84 (dd, J=11 and 9 Hz, 1H), 6.65 (br d, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (br d,J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.23-7.33 (m, 2H), 7.41 (d, J=2Hz, 1H), 7.57 (br s, 1H).

In an analogous manner compound 4 was prepared:

Compound 4:1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-cyclohexyl4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide.Melting point: 127-129° C. ¹H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.04-2.03 (m,10H), 3.73-3.92 (m, 1H), 4.23-4.33 (m, 2H), 4.81 (t, J˜10 Hz, 1H), 6.66(br d, J=8 Hz, 2H), 6.79 (br d, J=7 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (br d, J=8 Hz, 2H),7.25-7.32 (m, 2H), 7.41 (br s, 1H).

Compounds 5-8

Part A: To a suspension of 4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide (0.45 gram,0.00236 mol) in benzene (5 ml) is dropwise added trimethylaluminum (1.2ml of a 2N solution in toluene, 0.0024 mol) to give a clear solutionwhich is stirred at room temperature for 1 hour.1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-4-carbonitrile(0.55 gram, 0.00157 mol) is added and the resulting mixture is heated at90° C. for 16 hours. After cooling to room temperature a mixture ofmethanol/water (8/2 (v/v)) is slowly added, the solids are removed byfiltration and washed with chloroform (50 ml). The filtrate isconcentrated in vacuo. The residue is triturated with n-pentane andtwice recrystallised from methanol to give1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamidine(0.435 gram, 51% yield). Melting point: 165-166° C. ¹H-NMR (200 MHz,CDCl₃): δ 4.11-4.35 (m, 2H), 4.94 (dd, J=12 and 10 Hz, 1H), 6.63 (br d,J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (br d, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.22-7.52 (m, 6H), 7.90 (br d, J=8Hz, 2H), 8.10-8.20 (m, 1 H).

In an analogous manner the compounds having formula (I) listed belowhave been prepared:

Compound 6:1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-[(4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamidine.Melting point: 172-175° C. ¹H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 4.12-4.35 (m, 2H),4.93 (dd, J=12 and 10 Hz, 1H), 6.63 (br d, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.08-7.43 (m,8H), 7.90-8.02 (m, 2H), 8.10-8.20 (m, 1H).

Compound 7:2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-N-(dimethylaminosulfonyl)-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamidine.Melting point: 136-139° C. ¹H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 2.79 (s, 6H),4.20-4.40 (m, 2H), 4.97 (t, J˜10 Hz, 1H), 6.83 (br d, J=8 Hz, 2H),7.05-7.50 (m, 8H), 7.80-7.90 (m, 1H).

Compound 8:1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-(dimethylaminosul-fonyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamidine.Melting point: 146-147° C.

EXAMPLE 2 Formulations as Used in Animal Studies Formulation of Compound1

For oral (p.o.) administration: to the desired quantity (0.5-15 mg) ofthe compound given above as ‘Compound 1’ in a glass tube, some glassbeads were added and the substance was milled by vortexing for 2minutes. After addition of 1 ml of a solution of 1% methylcellulose inwater, the compound was suspended by vortexing for 10 minutes. Forconcentrations up and above 1 mg/ml remaining particles in thesuspension were further suspended by using an ultrasonic bath.

EXAMPLE 3 Pharmacological Test Results

Cannabinoid receptor affinity and functional in vitro data data obtainedaccording to the protocols given above are shown in the table below.TABLE 1 pharmacological data Human cannabinoid-CB₁ receptor In vitroantagonism In vitro affinity pA₂-value Compound nr pK_(i) value(arachidonic acid release) Compound 1 7.7 — Compound 2 7.0 — Compound 47.0 7.7 Compound 8 6.8 —

1-12. (canceled)
 13. A method for the treatment of at least onepsychiatric disorder, neurological disorder, or disease involvingcannabinoid neurotransmission, comprising: administering apharmaceutical composition to a patient in need of said treatment,wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises an effective amount ofat least one compound of formula (I), or a tautomer thereof, astereoisomer thereof, a prodrug thereof, or a salt of any of theforegoing:

wherein: R₁ and R₂, each independently represent a phenyl, a thienyl, ora pyridyl group, which groups are optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3substituents Y, wherein said Y substituents, which may be the same ordifferent, are each independently chosen from branched or linearC₁₋₃-alkyl, branched or linear C₁₋₃-alkoxy, phenyl, hydroxy, chloro,bromo, fluoro, iodo, trifluoomethyl, trifluoromethylthio,trifluoromethoxy, carboxyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, cyano, carbamoyl,sulfamoyl, and acetyl groups, or R₁ or R₂, or both R₁ and R₂, representnaphthyl; X represents a subgroup chosen from (i) and (ii),

wherein: R₃ is chosen from a hydrogen atom and a branched or linear C₁₋₃alkyl group; R₄ is chosen from: a branched or linear C₁₋₈-alkyl orC₃₋₈-cycloalkyl-C₁₋₂-alkyl, branched or linear C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, C₅₋₁₀ bicycloalkyl, or C₆₋₁₀ tricycloalkyl group, whichgroups optionally contain one or more heteroatoms chosen from O, N, andS, and which groups are optionally substituted with a hydroxy group, 1-3methyl groups, an ethyl group, or 1-3 fluoro atoms; or a phenoxy,benzyl, phenethyl or phenylpropyl group, which groups are eachoptionally substituted on their phenyl ring with 1-3 Y substituents,wherein each Y substituent may be the same or different, and isindependently chosen from branched or linear C₁₋₃-alkyl, branched orlinear C₁₋₃-alkoxy, phenyl, hydroxy, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo,trifluoomethyl, trifluoromethylthio, trifluoromethoxy, carboxyl,trifluoromethylsulfonyl, cyano, carbamoyl, sulfamoyl, and acetyl groups;or a pyridyl or thienyl group; and a group NR₅R₆, wherein: R₅ and R₆,together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form asaturated or unsaturated, monocyclic or bicyclic, heterocyclic grouphaving from 4 to 10 ring atoms, wherein said heterocyclic group containsone or two heteroatoms chosen from O, N, and S, and which group isoptionally substituted with a branched or linear C₁₋₃ alkyl, a phenyl, ahydroxy or a trifluromethyl group or a fluoro atom; or R₃ and R₄,together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form asaturated or unsaturated, monocyclic or bicyclic, heterocyclic grouphaving from 4 to 10 ring atoms, which heterocyclic group contains one ortwo heteroatoms chosen from O, N, and S, and which group is optionallysubstituted with a branched or linear C₁₋₃ alkyl, a phenyl, a amino, ahydroxy or a trifluromethyl group, or a fluoro atom; R₇ represents abenzyl, phenyl, thienyl or pyridyl group, wherein the aromatic ring ofsaid group is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 Y substituents,wherein each Y substituent may be the same or different, and isindependently chosen from branched or linear C₁₋₃ alkyl, a branched orlinear C₁₋₃ alkoxy, a phenyl, a hydroxy, a chloro, a bromo, a fluoro, aniodo, a trifluoromethyl, a trifluoromethylthio, a trifluoromethoxy, acarboxyl, a trifluoromethylsulfonyl, a cyano, a carbamoyl, a sulfamoyl,and an acetyl group; or R₇ represents a branched or linear C₁₋₈ alkyl,C₃₋₈ alkenyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, C₅₋₁₀ bicycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₀ tricycloalkyl,or a branched or linear C₅₋₈ cycloalkenyl; a naphthyl group, an aminogroup, a C₁₋₈ dialkylamino group, a C₁₋₈ monoalkylamino group, or asaturated or unsaturated, monocyclic or bicyclic, heterocyclic grouphaving from 4 to 10 ring atoms, wherein said heterocyclic group contains1 or 2 nitrogen atoms and optionally contains a heteroatom chosen from Oand S, and is optionally substituted with a branched or linear C₁₋₃alkyl, phyenyl, hydroxy or trifluoromethyl group or a fluro atom; R₈represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and R₉ represents ahydrogen atom or a methyl, ethyl, or methoxy group.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein said at least one psychiatric disorder, neurologicaldisorder, or disease involving cannabinoid neurotransmission is chosenfrom psychosis, anxiety, depression, attention deficits, memorydisorders, cognitive disorders, appetite disorders, obesity, juvenileobesity, drug induced obesity, addiction, impulse control disorders,appetence, drug dependence, neurodegenerative disorders, dementia,dystonia, muscle spasticity, tremor, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis,traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer'sdisease, epilepsy, Huntington's disease, Tourette's syndrome, cerebralischemia, cerebral apoplexy, craniocerebral trauma, spinal cord injury,neuroinflammatory disorders, plaque sclerosis, viral encephalitis,demyelinisation related disorders, pain disorders, neuropathic paindisorders, septic shock, glaucoma, cancer, diabetes, emesis, nausea,asthma, respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, gastriculcers, diarrhea, cardiovascular disorders, atherosclerosis, livercirrhosis, sexual disorders, and a combination of two or more of theforegoing diseases or disorders.
 15. The method of claim 14, whereinsaid at least one disorder or disease is chosen from eating disorders.16. The method of claim 14, wherein said at least one disorder ordisease is chosen from obesity, juvenile obesity, and drug inducedobesity.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein said pharmaceuticalcomposition further comprises at least one lipase inhibitor.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein said at least one lipase inhibitor is chosenfrom orlistat and lipstatin.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein saidpharmaceutical composition further comprises at least onepharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or at least one pharmaceuticallyacceptable auxiliary substance.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein saidpharmaceutical composition is present in a pharmaceutically effectiveamount.